Dental Insurance Glossary
A plain English guide to CDT codes and insurance terms for the dental front desk.
CDT Codes
Grouped by ADA category, in code order.
Diagnostic
D0100 to D0999- D0120Periodic Oral Evaluation D0120 is the CDT code for a periodic oral evaluation of an established patient, the routine exam done at a recall visit. Read more
- D0140Limited Oral Evaluation, Problem Focused D0140 is the CDT code for an evaluation limited to a specific problem or complaint, such as pain, swelling or a broken tooth. Read more
- D0150Comprehensive Oral Evaluation D0150 is the CDT code for a comprehensive oral evaluation of a new or established patient, a full exam of the teeth, gums and soft tissue. Read more
- D0210Intraoral, Comprehensive Series of Radiographic Images D0210 is the CDT code for a full mouth series of x-rays (often called an FMX), a set of periapical and bitewing images that shows every tooth. Read more
- D0220Intraoral, Periapical First Radiographic Image D0220 is the CDT code for the first periapical x-ray taken at a visit, an image that shows a whole tooth from crown to root tip. Read more
- D0274Bitewings, Four Radiographic Images D0274 is the CDT code for a set of four bitewing radiographic images, the x-rays that show the back teeth from crown to bone level. Read more
- D0330Panoramic Radiographic Image D0330 is the CDT code for a panoramic x-ray, a single image that shows both jaws, all the teeth and the surrounding structures. Read more
Preventive
D1000 to D1999- D1110Prophylaxis, Adult D1110 is the CDT code for an adult cleaning: removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth and implants in the permanent and transitional dentition. Read more
- D1120Prophylaxis, Child D1120 is the CDT code for a child's cleaning: removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth and implants in the primary and transitional dentition. Read more
- D1206Topical Application of Fluoride Varnish D1206 is the CDT code for applying fluoride varnish to the teeth to help prevent decay. Read more
- D1351Sealant, Per Tooth D1351 is the CDT code for a sealant, a protective coating applied to the chewing surface of a tooth to help prevent decay, billed per tooth. Read more
Restorative
D2000 to D2999- D2140Amalgam, One Surface, Primary or Permanent D2140 is the CDT code for a one surface amalgam (silver) filling on a primary or permanent tooth. Read more
- D2391Resin Based Composite, One Surface, Posterior D2391 is the CDT code for a one surface tooth colored (composite) filling on a back tooth. Read more
- D2740Crown, Porcelain/Ceramic D2740 is the CDT code for a crown made entirely of porcelain or ceramic material. Read more
- D2950Core Buildup, Including Any Pins When Required D2950 is the CDT code for rebuilding missing tooth structure so that a crown has enough support to stay in place. Read more
Endodontics
D3000 to D3999Periodontics
D4000 to D4999- D4341Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing, Four or More Teeth per Quadrant D4341 is the CDT code for scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) of four or more teeth with periodontal disease in one quadrant of the mouth. Read more
- D4342Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing, One to Three Teeth per Quadrant D4342 is the CDT code for scaling and root planing of one to three teeth with periodontal disease in one quadrant. Read more
- D4346Scaling in Presence of Generalized Moderate or Severe Gingival Inflammation D4346 is the CDT code for a full mouth scaling, after an oral evaluation, for a patient with generalized moderate or severe gum inflammation but no bone loss from periodontitis. Read more
- D4355Full Mouth Debridement D4355 is the CDT code for removing heavy plaque and calculus that prevents a comprehensive periodontal evaluation and diagnosis, which then takes place at a later visit. Read more
- D4910Periodontal Maintenance D4910 is the CDT code for the ongoing maintenance cleaning given to a patient after active periodontal treatment, such as scaling and root planing. Read more
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
D7000 to D7999Insurance Terms
Grouped A to Z.
C
- CDT Code A CDT code is a five character procedure code (the letter D followed by four digits) from the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature, maintained by the American Dental Association. Read more
- Claim Narrative A claim narrative is a short written explanation sent with a claim to show why a procedure was needed. Read more
- Clearinghouse A clearinghouse is a company that passes electronic claims, eligibility checks and payment information between a dental practice and insurance payers. Read more
- Coinsurance Coinsurance is the percentage of a covered procedure's cost that the patient pays after the deductible, with the plan paying the rest. Read more
- Coordination of Benefits Coordination of benefits (COB) is the set of rules that decides which plan pays first, and how much the second plan pays, when a patient has two dental plans. Read more
D
- Deductible A deductible is the amount a patient must pay out of pocket each benefit year before the plan starts paying for covered services. Read more
- Downgrade (Alternate Benefit) A downgrade, or alternate benefit, is a plan rule that pays for a less expensive treatment than the one performed. Read more
E
- Eligibility Verification Eligibility verification is the process of confirming, before an appointment, that a patient's dental coverage is active and what it will pay for. Read more
- EOB (Explanation of Benefits) An EOB is a statement from the insurance payer that explains how a claim was processed: what was billed, allowed, paid, adjusted and left for the patient. Read more
- ERA (Electronic Remittance Advice) An ERA is the electronic version of an explanation of benefits, sent by the payer in the standard X12 835 format. Read more
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